Abstract

Background

Recently, there have been attempts to understand the molecular epidemiology of Sarcoptes scabiei, to evaluate the gene flow between isolates of S. scabiei from different hosts and geographic regions. However, to our knowledge, a molecular
study has not been carried out to assess the molecular diversity and gene flow of
Sarcoptes mite in a predator/prey ecosystem.

Results

Our study revealed an absence of gene flow between the two herbivore (Thomson's gazelle
and wildebeest)- and between the two carnivore (lion and cheetah)-derived Sarcoptes populations from Masai Mara (Kenya), which is in discrepancy with the host-taxon law
described for wild animals in Europe. Lion- and wildebeest-derived Sarcoptes mite populations were similar yet different from the Thomson's gazelle-derived Sarcoptes population. This could be attributed to Sarcoptes cross-infestation from wildebeest ("favourite prey") of the lion, but not from Thomson's
gazelle. The cheetah-derived Sarcoptes population had different subpopulations: one is cheetah-private, one similar to the
wildebeest- and lion-derived Sarcoptes populations, and another similar to the Thomson's gazelle-derived Sarcoptes mite population, where both wildebeest and Thomson's gazelle are "favourite preys"
for the cheetah.

Conclusions

In a predator/prey ecosystem, like Masai Mara in Kenya, it seems that Sarcoptes infestation in wild animals is prey-to-predator-wise, depending on the predator's
"favourite prey". More studies on the lion and cheetah diet and behaviour could be
of great help to clarify the addressed hypotheses. This study could have further ramification
in the epidemiological studies and the monitoring protocols of the neglected Sarcoptes mite in predator/prey ecosystems.